Embrace of the Serpent

Phenomenal account of two explorers, 30 years apart, trying to find a mysterious healing plant in the Amazon jungle. We follow their journeys and see how the amazon is set to be torn apart by 'whites'. The shamen that is the last of his tribe leads both expeditions and teaches the explorers what it is to dream, be alive and at one with nature.

There is one unforgettable moment when the expedition party encounters a rubber plant extractor.

David Gallego's photography and the sound editing is just incredible. It's a unique spiritual experience. A remarkable film.

Absolutely mesmerizing, intense, violent and melancholic, the film highlights the dynamics of its characters by exploring the brutality of colonialism and its devastating consequences for indigenous cultures. The narrative unfolds in two timelines interconnected by this profound context and a stunning setting in the Amazon rainforest. The plot develops through a journey full of fascinating, sad, violent and disturbing moments, provoking reflections on the destruction of cultural wealth at the hands of invaders. The black and white cinematography intensifies the melancholy, oppressive and aggressive tone of the story, amplifying the impact and creating a singular, deeply striking experience.